I'm a handyman in the Daniel Boone National Park. My main employer is Mae West at the Happy Trails Campground. When I got a phone call to take down some trees on this guy's property for a side hustle, I jumped at the chance. That's one of the biggest money making jobs around these parts.
Unfortunately I got hauled off to jail after I was accused of being part of an illegal logging crew. Simple enough, I gave Sheriff Hank Sharp the name of the man who hired me, only he was found murdered by one of my tools.
Not only am I accused of illegal logging, now I'm the number one suspect in this man's murder.
It just creams my corn to be accused of murder.
There's only one person I trust to get me out of this mess and that's Maybelline West.
I'm sure she, along with her nosy friends, the Laundry Club Ladies, will snoop around to help clear my name.
Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons by Tonya Kappes has Mae West busy with her foster brother’s wedding. Mae is Abby Fawn’s maid of honor means organizing a hen party the night before the big day. Mae is happy to have Mary Elizabeth adding her little touches. The event is going well until Mae sees Sheriff Hank Sharp drive into Happy Trails Campground to the abode of their handyman, Henry Bryant. When Hank leaves with Henry in the backseat, Mae is quick to phone Hank’s grandmother and the local police dispatcher, Agnes Swift. Henry has been arrested for illegal logging in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Mae knows that Henry would not break the law—at least not intentionally. After the cake cutting and grabbing a slice for nourishment, Mae begins her investigation. Mae barely has time to enjoy the cake when Duke, the man who can verify Henry’s story, is found dead. In addition to illegal logging, Henry may be charged with murder. With help from the Laundry Club ladies, Mae works to clear Henry.
Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons is the 19th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but this is a series that is best enjoyed in order. All our favorite characters are back in this lighthearted tale. It is time for Bobby Ray and Abby Fawn to get married. I had to laugh at the description of the dresses worn by the Laundry Club ladies (I do not want to spoil it for you). There is another scene that will have you rolling in your seat with laughter. I enjoy Tonya Kappes’ easy breezy writing style which makes the story fun to read. This series has great characters that includes Dottie, Mary Elizabeth, Abby, and the other Laundry Club ladies. Fifi is such a sweetie. I like that she accompanies Mae as she is out and about. I am not a fan of Hank Sharp at the moment. He has broken up with Mae over a difference of opinion regarding children and her need to sleuth. Mae still loves Hank and is trying to put up a brave front. The mystery gives us a chance to learn about forestry and the environment when it comes to the Daniel Boone National Forest. You cannot just go in and cut down a tree willy nilly. The Laundry Club ladies get to see what it is like to work without Abby around to assist them. I found it a cinch to solve this whodunit thanks to one piece of information. We get to meet Ranger Tucker Pyle who has just transferred to the Daniel Boone National Park. Tucker and Mae have some interesting interactions. I have a feeling we will be seeing more of Tucker. I was surprised by the ending. We will have to wait for Blossoms, Barbeque, and Blackmail to find out what happens next. My favorite line from Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons is “Everyone loves to see a smile. Smile—it makes you feel better.” Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons is an upbeat Southern cozy mystery with fanciful nuptials, an ash accident, a sexy sheriff, scrumptious Kentucky bourbon pie, a friendly new ranger, and a fabulous family.
Another mystery to solve for Mae and the crew. This one wasn’t as fun-filled as the others because of the current situation with Mae and her love life but the story still reeled me in and kept me listening. I love how helping clear her friends’ names is the most important thing to Mae because they are her family; she has created a wonderful community of people.
Wow, what a great mystery! It is summer, and preparations are underway for the biggest event of the season. It was fun to watch everyone pull together for the big day, as this is what people in Normal, Kentucky do. Normal is where folks’ hearts are bigger than the Daniel Boone National Forest, where Normal, including Happy Trails Campground, is nestled. The characters are defined perfectly, and for first time-readers, enough backstory is included so they will know them quickly.
One of Mae West’s best friends, Abby, is getting married to Bobby Ray, Mae’s foster brother. Their foster mother, Mary Elizabeth, is thrilled that one of her kids is getting married and does what Southern mamas do best – puts on a grand celebration! The first thing to go wrong is when Hank, as interim sheriff, arrests Henry, Mae’s handyman at Happy Trails Campground.
Having grown up in the area, Henry has a healthy respect for the Daniel Boone National Forest and wouldn’t do what he was accused of. He says that a guy named Duke hired him to cut down two enormous old oak trees on his property at the edge of the forest. Unfortunately, they weren’t Duke’s trees. The trees were part of the national forest, Henry was caught on camera, and could owe a huge fine and prison time. Henry won’t be able to help Mary Elizabeth prepare for the wedding and reception the next morning. Then a dead body shows up, murdered with a tool from Happy Trails. Mae knows Henry is innocent and wants him out of jail. She and the Laundry Club Ladies get help from a most unlikely source!
Abby and Bobby Ray’s wedding was wonderful, and it was enlightening to see Mae’s moments of introspection. That girl has more grit and grace than she ever thought possible, and I’m happy to see her joy for the wedding of her brother and dear friend. Dottie brought many moments of humor throughout with her Southern “wit and wisdom”. Unfortunately for Mary Elizabeth, Dottie managed to bring about a scene that hilarious – but only in the re-telling.
What a fabulously intriguing story! This fast-paced Southern cozy drew me in from the beginning, and the pages flew by too fast. While it is #19 in a series that gets better each time, it can be read as a standalone as the author gently weaves in sufficient backstory to bring the reader into the moment. I learned a little bit about how national forests are cared for. The motives for everything that occurred were nothing I could have figured out, nor did I guess whodunit. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-written Southern cozy whodunits with humor, camping or armchair camping, and mysteries that keep the reader guessing!
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Wildlife Warrants and Weapons Camper and Criminals, Book #19 Tonya Kappes 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Southern Hospitality with a Smidgen of Homicide
It creams my corn to think I've been accused of murder.
I'm a handyman in the Daniel Boone National Park. My main employer is Mae West at the Happy Trails Campground.
When I got a phone call to take down some trees on this guy's property for a side hustle, I jumped at the chance. That's one of the biggest money making jobs around these parts.
Unfortunately I got hauled off to jail after I was accused of being part of an illegal logging crew. Simple enough, I gave Sheriff Hank Sharp the name of the man who hired me, only he was found murdered by one of my tools.
Not only am I accused of illegal logging, now I'm the number one suspect in this man's murder.
It just creams my corn to be accused of murder.
There's only one person I trust to get me out of this mess and that's Maybelline West.
I'm sure she, along with her nosy friends, the Laundry Club Ladies, will snoop around to help clear my name. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. There is a lot happening at the campsite and Mae finds herself involved in all of it. There is a wedding and her handyman, Henry, is arrested for illegal logging. She and the Laundry Club Ladies will be very busy getting things organized and trying to figure out how to help Henry.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions allowed me to picture everything in my mind's eye. The setting is so relaxing and I would like to go visit the campground. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and the end will surprise you.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. You cannot go wrong with Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
"Wildlife, Warrants, & Weapons (Camper & Criminals #19)" by Tonya Kappes seemed more focused on the relationship drama going on between Hank and Mae while also adding in a new Park Ranger. Tucker, the new ranger seems a bit like how Hank's character started out in how he interacts with Mae. Possible new love interest?
The little bit of mystery we got was around a guy who hired Hank to do some lumber work. Turns out the trees Hank cut down weren't approved to be cut, now the guy can't be found to confirm Hank's story and Hank is in jail. It's also time for Bobby Ray and Abby to get married and Hank was supposed to help and be there. The guy is later found with a few ax wounds in him caused by an ax from Mae's campground.
I'm not sure if it's that I missed a clue drop or the story was more focused on all the other drama going on, but I didn't see that ending coming. It felt a bit like, ope! Here's the ending. Quick shove in the reveal.
Mae is trying to be the best maid of honor for one of her best friends, Abby. However, Mae keeps getting distracted by the fact her handyman has been arrested. Henry has been arrested for illegally cutting down trees in the Daniel Boone National Forrest. Finally, the wedding takes place so Mae can put all her focus on clearing Henry.
Oh boy, there is a lot happening in Mae's life and her inner circle of friends and family. I find it hard to write this review without including spoilers. I will not discuss parts of the secondary storyline to prevent giving spoilers. If you are a fan of the series, you don't want to miss this book. This is a fast-paced mystery I pretty much read it in one sitting. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns. The culprit was someone that I really had not thought was involved. Every book can be a stand-alone with the mystery solved in each book. Mrs. Kappes does a wonderful job wrapping up secondary storylines promptly. She keeps the stories fresh and her reader wanting more.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
This is supposed to be Abby's big day when she says "I do", but when handy man Henry is arrested for illegal logging, it puts a damper on things. There's a new ranger to add to the mix an an turmoil in Hank and Maes relationship. If you want to find out how it all plays out, you have to read the book.
“Wildlife, Warrants & Weapons” the 19th instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. I absolutely love this series, and can’t get enough of Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies.
This was a very quick read, I found myself engrossed in the mystery and wanting to have answers to a few questions from the last book. For me personally this book was more about wrapping up loose ends with certain relationships as well ad hints into others personal lives eg: Bettes
Now I have new thoughts swirling around in my mind like “How will the dynamics be with Amy newly married and Mae not having her or Bobby at her beck and call... “ Like in real life things don’t always have a fairytale ending but in the long run we know it’s for the best …
The mystery was good and we learned a lot about forestry and the environment. As always Tonya did her research. We are introduced to the new Ranger and I can’t wait to learn more about him and see how he fits in with the gang I have grown to love.
I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 20 as I want to know more about what��s in store for Mae!
I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Wildlife, Warrants, & Weapons Earns 5/5 Tree Huggers…Engaging Fun!
Everyone is excited about tomorrow’s nuptials. Mae’s foster brother Bobby Ray Bond is set to marry her best friend Abby Fawn, so bachelor poker games and a bridesmaid’s spa fun is on the schedule. But, during the bridesmaid’s gathering, they spot Sheriff Hank Sharpe’s cruiser enter the campground. It’s not a complete surprise since he used to live there, but he’d moved and he and Mae had put the brakes on their relationship. Tongues are wagging when Hank’s car leaves with Henry Bryant, local handyman, sitting in the backseat. Mae calls her good friend and police dispatcher to get the scoop, and she learns there is very credible video evidence of Henry illegally cutting down protected trees in the National Park. That’s a big “no no,” but his actions are suspicious, and so is Mae! Henry would never be involved in illegal logging, so Mae is on the case...to Hank’s annoyance.
Tonya Kappes quickly put out the nineteenth book in her A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series, but it is still fresh, engaging, and well worth reading as she incorporates the age-old conflict between park management and environmentalists. Conflicts arise, of course, but none so problematic as Mae losing her connection to law enforcement. Sheriff Hank is now an “ex” which means casual information and some joint investigating are out of the question and just plain awkward. She does, however, get creative with her efforts to help her friend making this a fun page-turner experience. Kappes’s writing style is descriptive and informative, and Mae’s inner thoughts through the first-person narrative and banter between characters illustrates well the emotions and varied personalities. She also adds some tech behaviors like using computers and texting to add realism to the story. Tonya’s series and this newest book are filled with delightful southernisms, reminders of proper manners, references to regional foods (Kentucky Bourbon Pie seems the perfect treat!), and a nice flair for the dramatic when the Laundry Club Ladies get involved. I loved this new book and the series is one of my top favorites, and I have hopes one day Dottie will become be a former smoker.
This series has unique bonuses: Camper Hacks and Recipes from Happy Trails Campground. Enjoy easy-to-follow recipes to get your day going right: Cowboy Coffee along with some Ho-Ho Eggs and Kielbasa, Pepper, Onion, and Potato Hash lunch-style, and Camping Hacks—(1) protect your drinks from bugs, (2) suggestion for dealing with Rust, and (3) a clever light trick for those who are afraid of the dark.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
The town of Normal, Kentucky is getting ready for a wedding. The wedding of Abbie Fawn to Bobby Ray Bond, and Mae has the honor of throwing a get-together event for the bridesmaids the day before the wedding. Mary Elizabeth couldn't help herself but jump in to add a touch of southern charm.
Right during the festivities, Sheriff Hank Sharp drove into Happy Trails Campground and over to Henry Bryant's camper. Only for Hank to drive out with Henry in the back of his sheriff's car. Mae makes a call to Agnes Swift and learns that Henry is in a whole heap of trouble. Dottie guessed that Mae would want to see about getting Henry out of jail with the suggestion for Mae to comb her hair because Mae looks like she's been running around like a chicken being chased by Colonel Sanders.
Mae is forbidden to talk to Henry by Hank's orders but when Mae uses a witty response and manages to get inside the sheriff's department, she and Henry have to talk fast before Hank arrives. Armed with a name from Henry, and with Ava Cox out of town, Mae decides to look into Henry's timeline.
Mae had sneaked away during the wedding reception to do some investigating, only to later arrive back at her camper and have the Laundry Club Ladies banging on her door. Dottie informed Mae that there had been a murder! Dottie was first to hear about it because she set a fire while listening to a scanner inside the Milkery. When they all arrived at the scene, Violet Rhinehammer asked for a statement and came to Mae's rescue when the new ranger started to question Mae. After being summoned, Mae is rendered speechless after Hank delivers a bombshell. Henry's situation just got worse.
In a surprising twist, Violet and Mae team up together. Mae needs a source of information to save Henry and Violet sees this development as her big break.
I enjoyed seeing a different side of Violet and liked how she and Mae worked together. Violet even taught Mae new tricks and Violet was quite clever. They make a good team! In the end, the townfolks come together to help one of their own, this time for Mae. While one chapter is closing in Mae's life, a new one begins.
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are at Abby’s bachlorette party the night before her wedding to Bobby Rae. Just as Mae was toasting Abby, she notices Hank pull into the campground, driving straight to Henry, her handyman’s trailer. After a few minutes she watches Hank, put Henry into the back of the cruiser. What could Hank be thinking? When Mae finds out Henry was arrested for illegal logging, she knew she needed more information, Henry would never do something like that. Henry swears he was hired by a man named Duke to cut down specifically marked trees. Proving that might be a challenge when Duke ends up dead! Murdered, with one of Henry’s tools, stamped with the Happy Trails logo. With Hank being closed-lipped and stand-offish since their breakup, Mae proving his innocence may be a little more difficult. Not only does Mae use the help of the Laundry Club Ladies, she resorts to the help of an unlikely source to uncover the clues. Add in a new, and handsome, Park Ranger, things get interesting!
Tonya’s Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, is a favorite, as it takes us through the ups and downs of a small-town life. Abby and Bobby Ray are getting married, and the whole town shows up for the celebration. Mae’s close friends always have her back, whether it’s helping her with the investigation, or being there for moral support. I enjoy being in Normal, Kentucky, following Mae around the Daniel Boone National Forrest. No book is complete with out a favorite of what I call “Dottie-isms.” The Southern saying that makes, well Dottie, Dottie. She always leaves us with something to think about. “You sweep your front porch before sweeping somebody else’s.” Gotta love Dottie. I received an ARC of this book and agreed to leave my honest review.
This book was great even if i needed tissue at time. Really i love Mae, she can't let her friend suffer and stay in trouble so when Henry get arrested she had to find the bottom of the story...even more when a mrder happens linked to the first investigation....Henry is a good man, not a murdered and not a nature destroyer Mae is sure of that and will prove it. However the laundry club is missing some members ( honeymoon get priority) and Violet is not an usual member the group trust but Mae is ready to go to drastic measures to protect her loved ones.
Without her usual contact, and without Hank 's help Mae has more on her plate but the new ranger Tucker may become an ally.....No matter what Mae can't linger on her love life when an investigation is taking place.
I do admire Mae courage....how she try to stay positive when i would be devasted but really Hank disappointed me even more this time at least for once he gave an explanation. i still want to slap him!
Gret story could be read as stand alone but really to understand the links between all the characters i can't recommend enough to read this series in orderit make it even better.
This is the 19th book in this series, but each book has quite an original mystery; I've read them all! They can all stand alone, but this is one of those series that is enjoyed much more richly if read in order, as there are several long arcs throughout the series. This book involves one of those long arcs--Bobby and Abby are getting married! I definitely love a wedding, especially a southern one. But of course, everything can't go perfectly. Poor Henry, the handyman of the campground, is accused this time--and Mae has to get him out of trouble. I'm also really sad about Mae and Hank's problems--but I definitely have hope. I love these characters and can't imagine ever letting them go. This atmosphere (the campground, the national forest, the cool little town) is the perfect setting for a cozy mystery and the southern aspect is a huge bonus to me. I highly recommend this book and series. I was provided an advanced copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.
Always well written and hilarious interaction with all the characters. Dottie always entertains and tells it like it is. I have to say I'm not a fan of how Mae's relationship story line is going, but I'm still holding out and trusting this author who I've followed for a long time now in this and other series. I've always been Team Hank no matter what, so I'm just gonna sit back and hope for the best in that story.
Meanwhile, poor Henry being the victim of what appeared to be a frame job needed Mae more than anyone now, so at least that took her attention back to what she loved doing: helping people and solving mysteries. The series still compels me to want to read the next, but I'm a little disheartened at the moment. I'll still be borrowing the next in KU though, 'cause I'm still curious enough to keep going. It'll be fun to hear Abby tell about her honeymoon!
I really enjoyed this 19th of the series. It amazes me that brand new storylines keep coming to keep it fresh. When Henry is arrested for illegal logging, Mae and the laundry ladies decide that they have to help, they know he's innocent. Then a dead body turns up which has more fingers pointing Henry's way, the laundry ladies don't give up. I love these characters and I love the setting. There is a new character, Tucker who is introduced, I really liked him and hope that he sticks around. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. I will definitely continue on with this series. There is the added bonus of camping tips and recipes in the back of the book.
It is Bobby Ray and Abby's wedding day! Everything is going as planned until Sheriff Hank comes and takes Henry away. What is going on? When Mae goes to the sheriff's department she finds out that Henry is being held for illegal logging! Things are rather cold between Mae and Hank so getting inside information on Henry is going to be a challenge. Can Mae find the information she is looking for to clear Henry? When there is another murder things get rather dicey for those involved! I must say this series is going in a way I never thought it would! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
tbh, this one lent on the parts of the series that I don't particularly enjoy - there was a huge emphasis on "don't you know all the good things i've done for this town?" as a reason why people should assist or cough up information for Mae... and just the amount of side eye that Mae got for ending her relationship with Hank (have you seen him in a suit? *rolls eyes*) and the fact that he seems to be leaving town at the end of the book? Real mature.
Handyman Henry finds himself in hot water for illegal logging in this outing - even without her usual "contacts" Mae plunges headlong into trying to get Henry out of jail... as well as making sure Abby & Bobby-Ray's wedding runs smoothly.
The mystery thickens! Mae West puts herself in the middle of an investigation after her employee, Henry is arrested. It’s up to Mae and the laundry club ladies to solve the case once again. But this time Mae has someone else helping her. It was just as fun as the rest of the series to listen to this book. The narrator is amazing and she gives a bit of southern twang to her narration but it’s not over the top.
I am writing this book a 3 not because of anything in particular with the story like the mystery but because one I wanted more of the wedding, I wish there was more details about the wedding and two Mae and her man I am so heartbroken and I’m upset and I am not gonna rate this book more than three because that is crap but I’m also gonna read the next book Because I hope they still wind up together
Henry is busy helping get tings ready for Abby and Bobby Rays wedding and working for Mae a the Happy Trails Camp Ground. He decides to do a little work on the side and soon finds him arrested for the extra work and for murder. Good thing he knows Mae and the Laundry Club ladies,, otherwise he might just find himself in jail for a long time. Love the antics of the Ladies and this great series of books. Can't wait to see what happens next the old and new characters.
In this book and Kim net just talking about Mae's relationship with Hank... There's this whole section about her meeting Tucker in the diner just after the wedding... Then later it's as if they'd never met before.... Where's the editor... Or maybe even proof readers... BC that was awfully confusing...
Good for Hank, I haven’t been a fan of Mae’s actions the past few books and her behavior continued in this one. That sense of entitlement and manipulation of others continued. Her foster brother and Abby are now married, there’s a new Ranger in town and hopefully this will be a time of reflection for Mae. After saving her handyman from a murder charge that is.
This book was good! Another enjoyable installation of the Campers & Criminals Series by Tonya Kappes. Well written and well paced, very entertaining and incredibly hard to put down. Well worth the time to read.
I enjoyed this episode in the Campers & Criminals series. I love the cast of characters and the hilarious shenanigans of the Laundry Club ladies. These books always bring a smile, and this one was no different.
This was another good mystery in the series. Mae and everyone is at the big wedding. However, someone ends up murdered. Now she and the laundry club ladies try to solve the mystery. Of course they do and all is somewhat well for now.